Journal of Sacred Work

Those who are not afraid to hold a hand in gratitude, to shed tears in grief, and to let a sigh of distress arise from the heart, can break through paralyzing boundaries and witness the birth of a new fellowship, the fellowship of the broken.   – Henri Nouwen

   And, truly aren’t we all broken? The difference seems to be whether we are fortunate enough to be in the fellowship of those whose brokenness we may hear – and who will hear us.
   Using the power of circles, physicians have been gathering in Nashville for three years now to hold hands in gratitude, to shed tears, to sigh, and to create healing through fellowship. Led by Dr’s. Keith Hagan and Roy Elam, they are part of an effort by the Baptist Healing Trust to deal with the issue referred to, somewhat inadequately, as caregiver burnout…

   What is the treatment for such a problem? For the most part, these doctors are not "impaired" in a way defined by the law and by medical associations. Instead, these are doctors who are seeking to refresh and deepen their gifts of healing, thus helping ease or prevent the high risk of burnout.

   These caring physicians are no more or no less broken than the rest of us. Their wisdom comes from recognizing the need for a "fellowship of the broken." The Trust is now sponsoring a parallel group for other caregivers.
   People ask, what does the group do. Some are not very impressed with the answer. A facilitator may open with a reading or devotional. After that, the group "checks in." Each physician shares what is on her or his heart. Everybody else listens. That is the essence of the wisdom of the circle.
   Too many foolishly dismiss such an experience. "Why would I give up two hours just to sit in a circle and talk once a month," someone might say.  But doctors listen to others all day long. Who cares for  doctors? Who listens to the listeners? We all need to be heard. We all need to share our brokenness with others. When we do, something magic occurs. We begin to heal. And in our healing, we regain the strength to go out and help others.
   The geometry of Love is circular. That is the reason why Love never ends. When we sit in a circle and share, Love is awakened. She travels with us as we listen, share, and find ourselves refreshed.

-Erie Chapman

Spiritual Exercise: Are you part of a caring circle? Can you help to create one or more of these that other caregivers might join?